#252: Obsession
The Netflix series Baby Reindeer, inspired by a real-life stalker story, has garnered millions of views over the past month while receiving both critical acclaim and heavy backlash. In the show, a chance encounter between a barman and a total stranger descends into a chaotic tale of stalking, destruction, and mutual obsession. Delving into themes of personal boundaries, power dynamics, identity struggles, and mental health problems, the show depicts some of the complexities and contradictions inherent in human psychology.
Inspired by Baby Reindeer, this week's prompts are an invitation to explore some of the nuances of human behavior. Whether you write a witty story, a heartwarming tale, or something tense and gripping is up to you!
This week's prompts
Start your story with a character being followed.
Dramatic – 100 stories
Write about a character who struggles to do the right thing.
Character – 35 stories
Write a story in which one of the characters is a narcissist.
Character – 40 stories
Make a character’s obsession or addiction an important element of your story.
Dramatic – 131 stories
Write a story that includes someone saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Character – 55 stories
Stories
“Blackwood's Yew Farm” by Martin Maynard
Submitted to Contest #252
“Freddy Feinberg Doesn't Live Up to Expectations” by Lara Temple
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Moment” by Martin Ross
Submitted to Contest #252
“Paxton struggles ” by J. I. MumfoRD
Submitted to Contest #252
“Never Let It Be Said” by Helen A Smith
Submitted to Contest #252
“Moonlit Hazes” by Alessandra Reginelli
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #252
“Unrefined Thirst” by V. S. Rose
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Ball Pit” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Houseguest” by Kaitlyn Wadsworth
Submitted to Contest #252
“Beneath the laughter” by Severine Desrosiers
Submitted to Contest #252
“Möbius Strip” by Herman W Clarke
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Beast” by Hannah Lynn
Submitted to Contest #252
“Counterfeit” by John K Adams
Submitted to Contest #252
$250
Prize money
361
Contest entries
143
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - May 31, 2024 EST
Won by Danielle LeBlanc 🏆
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!